ad – This content was created on a press trip (similar to those travel agents and journalists take). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Norwegian Aqua cruise ship is new for 2025, and I was lucky enough to be invited on two sailings, before her inaugural voyage, to the USA.
I sailed from Lisbon, Portugal to Southampton – and then from Southampton to Bruges and back.
Because this was a “press trip” not open to the general public, I was able to try things, and do things (like take a camera in the Slidecoaster) that most cruises wouldn’t be allowed to do.
This rollercoaster/waterslide hybrid is the first of its type at sea – and it is free to ride.
Norwegian Aqua is a Prima Plus Class cruise ship. I have sailed on Norwegian Prima before, and I could see a lot of similarities.
Norwegian Aqua is larger than sister ships Prima and Viva by 10%. Norwegian have made improvements in certain areas, like making some of the public spaces larger.
She is registered in the Bahamas, and has a gross registered tonnage of 156,300 tons.
She has a guest capacity of 3,571, has twenty decks and is 1, 056 feet in length.
She has stunning, distinctive hull art! Have a look at her from above here.
First Impressions
When I first saw the ship and the Aqua Slidecoaster on top, I was excited and nervous about trying it out – but I knew I had to give it a go.
Norwegian say:
Get ready for the wildest ride at sea with the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea! This two-person ride launches you and a friend into another dimension reaching rip-roaring high speeds. Plus, this Norwegian Aqua exclusive experience is equipped with dueling slides for double the thrills!
Norwegian Cruise Line
Who Can Ride the Aqua Slidecoaster?
This attraction is designed for guests of all ages. As always, there are some safety requirements:
- Height requirement:
- Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.
- Weight limit:
- The combined weight of two riders must not exceed 400 lbs.
- Health considerations:
- Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions shouldn’t ride the Slidecoaster.
The Ride Experience
It is designed for two people to race against each other in two separate slides, but I didn’t race against anyone. Two people can ride in one inflatable raft, but I tried it alone.
See how I got on here:
Tips for Future Riders
Avoid Peak Times
- It might be best to try the Slidecoaster when the ship is in port, or at off peak times. Otherwise you might find yourself queuing for quite a while.
- I was lucky that I was on a reduced capacity press trip when I tried the slidecoaster, but I can imagine on a hot sunny day, everyone would want to ride on to this attraction!
What to Wear
- When I rode the slidecoaster, I wore a dress made out of swimming costume material.
- Lots of people wore swimming things, but it was quite cold when I tried it.
- Other people wore leggings, and gym type clothes.
- Some people even wore lightweight waterproof jackets.
- Shoes must be not be warn.
My Experience and Thoughts
The first part of the slidecoaster is very fast, you are pushed up the hill by a mechanical arm until you reach the first part of the tunnel.
Once you reach the tunnel, it is quite chilled and laid back, as you float gently down through the tunnels on your inflatable raft.
I have certainly never tried anything quite like this before, this is a very unique, ground-breaking attraction.
When I rode the slidecoaster, it was free. I do hope they won’t make a charge for it in the future!
If you are a thrill seeker, the Norwegian Aqua Slidecoaster certainly isn’t to be missed!
Before You Go
Find out why my balcony cabin on Norwegian Prima was one of my favourite cabins ever here:
Norwegian Prima – Balcony Cabin – Real Review and Photo Guide (I Spent a Week Onboard)
Some of Norwegian’s ship have Go Kart tracks on the top decks. Find out all about that here:
Which Norwegian Ships Have Go Karts Tracks?
Book a Cruise (I’ve Launched My Own Travel Agency)
I’ve spent the last 10 years creating cruise content online and over that time I’ve learnt that having a great travel agent makes a HUGE difference.
That’s why in 2026, I launched my own agency and built a team of real cruise experts who love cruising as much as I do.
We combine great prices with personal service. Just click the button below and we’ll find you the perfect cruise. No request is too big or too small, we’re here to help.